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If Cairns and Tropical North Queensland are your next escape then you can't look past these hotels. Chosen based on their proximity to popular attractions, prices and locations, we're confident you'll find your ideal stay.
The hard work has been done for you so all you have to do is put your feet up and enjoy the pristine waters and the endless sunny days that Cairns has to offer.
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Crystal clear waters and sunny days don't need to break the bank in Cairns. With an array of cheap hotels on offer, you can spend your money where it matters. You'll want to be close to the main Reef Fleet Terminal, which takes you to Green Island as well as Fitzroy Island. The Mad Monkey Backpackers Waterfront and the Cairns Waterfront Backpackers are both centrally located on the Esplanade, which happens to be about seven minutes away by foot.
For those who are up for some town exploration, then the Cairns Art Gallery and the Museum are within a couple minutes walking distance of the Hides Hotel.
We also recommend Freedom Hostels, Bounce Cairns and Gilligans Backpackers Hotel and Resort for cheap accommodation that is ideally located in the city centre and offers a slice of paradise.
See more cheap Cairns accommodation
If your perfect holiday stay includes a bit of luxury, then these 5-star hotels are sure to tick your boxes. From jacuzzis and saunas to rooftop terraces and pillow menus, Cairns brings 5-star options to the coast. The Shangri-La Hotel, the Pullman Cairns International and The Hilton Cairns are all perfectly situated a few minutes away by foot from the Reef Fleet Terminal, which takes you to the pristine waters of Fitzroy Island and Green Island. Alongside immaculate views of Tropical North Queensland's horizons, you'll also be centrally located to the city centre where you can find the Cairns Aquarium, the ZOOM and Wildlife Dome, the night markets and Skydive Cairns within a half hour walk. The 5-star options don't stop there either, with the Pullman Reef Hotel Casino also providing uninterrupted waterfront views.
Trinity Beach hosts an array of activities, from lazy days on the coastline to hiking through the hills. We recommend staying in the main city area where you'll find the Coral Sands Beachfront Resort, Amaroo at Trinity and the Blue Lagoon Resort. The Coral Sands Beachfront and Amaroo at Trinity are located right on Trinity Beach and the Blue Lagoon Resort surrounds the large pond, which is just five minutes down the road from the main beach.
For those of you after some time with Mother Nature, then the Earl Hill Summit Track is merely five minutes via car from the hotels. The track provides a great opportunity for hiking and is in close proximity to Trinity Park Foreshore. This is a great spot for young families, as the water is calm and shallow. There aren't many stays in close proximity to this part of Trinity Beach but we do recommend the Palm Whispers Bed and Breakfast, Marlin Cove Holiday Resort and Sea Change Beachfront Apartments, as they are all within a five-minute drive of the hiking track.
See more Trinity Beach accommodation
The Mantra Amphora, Reef Retreat Palm Cove and Peppers Beach Club Spa are all ideally located on Palm Cove Beach. As the main attraction, you'll only be two minutes away from the water by foot. At the northern end of the beach there's the Palm Cove Jetty, which boasts views of the beautiful horizon. We highly recommend taking the short 10-minute walk to catch the sunrise or the sunset. For a day out amongst the treetops, you'll only be a 15-minute drive from the hotels to the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Other accommodation that will have you close to the beach and moments from the main strip of restaurants on Williams Esplanade include the Melaleuca Resort, Paradise on the Beach Resort and the Marlin Waters Beachfront Apartments.
See more Palm Cove accommodation
For those of you who are after more personalised accommodation, we suggest checking out Airbnb, Stayz and Homestay. These provide a home away from home feel, with most of them being lived-in family houses. Or, if you're looking to save a few extra dollars while you're away, these are usually cheaper than regular hotel chains.
Here are our reviews on where we've recently stayed in Cairns to help you make a better decision for your upcoming trip:
Reviewed by: Alex Keshen, Travel Publisher
If you're looking for a cheap place to base yourself in the city, the Cairns Central YHA was a great option. While it may have been quiet due to Covid-19 restrictions, it was a more relaxed stay than most hostels I've stayed at and the rate for a private room with an ensuite was hard to beat at less than $40 per night.
Which sites let you book Cairns hotels with free cancellation?
Some sites only offer free cancellation on select hotels or at a slightly higher rate, so it's best to check the terms on your booking before confirming your stay. Most sites, like Wotif or Expedia, will clearly state whether a stay is non-refundable.
Book hotels on these sites to earn points on your stay that you can later redeem for discounts or complimentary nights.
Although Cairns Airport doesn't have any on-site hotels, these stays are just a few minutes away by car.
You'll find the Rydges Esplanade Resort and Reef Plaza Hotel available to book in Cairns.
On the Cairns Esplanade you'll find the following hotels:
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